Mark Ontiveros

Riding into Retail – An Interview with Mark Ontiveros of West End Bikes.

Mark Ontiveros, retail guru and co-founder of West End Bikes in Portland, OR, talks with Kristin today about what really creates the retail experience, what his passion does for his business, and how owning a shop in a 100-year old building does for his customers.

Mark Ontiveros – father, entrepreneur, bicyclist – owns West End Bikes in Portland, Oregon. He had always known he’d be an entrepreneur and wanted to open a men’s clothing store but his love of bikes won out and he soon found himself the owner of a bike shop. West End Bikes, in Portland, OR, is demonstrative of Mark’s passion coming through into his entrepreneurial work.

Starting out at as owner of a cycling shop in California 21 years ago, his introduction to the cycling world began. Now, Mark rides over 70K miles a year and has followed his passion of the retail world and infused it into his own store – creating a bicyclists’ heaven. Mark’s passion for retail and the consumer is so apparent in everything he has done for his store. He knows that infusing your passion you’re your brand and your business is important –for him, creating that retail experience is tantamount to his customer retention. He searched for years to find the perfect location and currently, his shop sits in a building that is over 100 years old in a prime retail location in Portland.

He has created an ambiance that is just rife with culture and some of the most innovative brands in the biking world. West End Bikes creates an experience for the retail customer – no online shopping here! He has prioritized the in-store experience and devotes his time and efforts 100% to the store. Listen in to hear what other pieces of wisdom Mark brings to his interview in the latest episode from Intrepid Entrepreneur. And remember, if you are loving these episodes as much as I do – head on over to iTunes to rate, review and subscribe!

DISCLAIMER – regarding our HUGE giveaway:

If you tried to enter into our giveaway and were redirected to an old e-bay page, try click this link instead: bit.ly/RaleighBike. Note: be sure to make the “R” in Raleigh and the “B” in Bikes, capitalized. Sorry for any confusion!

Important News for West End Bikes:

Have A Look Around:

Bravery in Business Quote:

“Thank God for Millennials,” said Mark, as he talked about the fact that Millennials love to touch and feel the products and experience a true “curated” assortment – which is what defines Portland’s West End Bikes.

And….

“I am a clothing guy – so much of my career was spent in that area. But I’m also a passionate cyclist.” West End Bikes is the intersection of that vision and Mark, apparently, is not the only person who loves this mix.

Habit for Success?

Keeping true to the vibe of his Portland neighborhood, his neighbors (customers) and the core cyclists who frequent his store.

Pivot Moment?

Opening West End Bikes because he was committed to building his own store, after spending time at Portland’s River City Bicycles and Marina Cycling in San Francisco. This is exactly the pivot moment jump that so many entrepreneurs in our community can relate to!

Coolest Expansion Idea:

Mark didn’t have an expansion idea but I am going to insert one for him – more shop rides! He’s a product tester and an apparel geek at heart, but with the caveat of being a clothing geek who also has amazing style!

DISCLAIMER – regarding our HUGE giveaway:

If you tried to enter into our giveaway and were redirected to an old e-bay page, try click this link instead: bit.ly/RaleighBike. Note: be sure to make the “R” in Raleigh and the “B” in Bikes, capitalized. Sorry for any confusion!